Ravi Krishna
Ravi Krishna (born 2 March 1983) is an Indian actor known for his roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema, particularly his breakthrough performance in the 2004 romantic drama 7G Rainbow Colony.[1][2] The son of acclaimed film producer A. M. Rathnam, Krishna made his acting debut in Selvaraghavan's directorial 7G Rainbow Colony, a coming-of-age story that garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South.[3][4][5] He followed this with lead roles in the Tamil action-drama Sukran (2005), the Tamil romantic crime thriller Kedi (2006), Netru Indru Naalai (2008), and the ensemble black comedy Aaranya Kaandam (2010), which won National Film Awards for Best Debut Film of a Director and Best Editing.[1][6][7] After a period of reduced activity in the early 2010s, Krishna is slated to reprise his iconic role in the sequel 7G Rainbow Colony 2, directed by Selvaraghavan and scheduled for release in 2025.[8]Early life
Family background
Ravi Krishna was born on March 2, 1983, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.[1] He is the younger son of A. M. Rathnam, a prominent film producer known for establishing the production house Sri Surya Movies Entertainment, and his wife, whose name is not publicly disclosed.[9][10] A. M. Rathnam has produced several blockbuster films across Telugu and Tamil cinema, including Karthavyam (1990), Peddarikam (1992), Indian (1996), and Kushi (2000).[11] His elder brother, Jyothi Krishna, is also an actor and director who has worked in the South Indian film industry.[10] The family relocated from Nellore to Chennai early in Ravi Krishna's life to capitalize on opportunities in the Tamil film industry, where his father's production ventures were centered.[10] This move shaped his upbringing, immersing him in Chennai's vibrant film culture from a young age, as he completed his schooling there.[10] The familial ties to the industry, particularly his father's influential role, provided early exposure that later facilitated Ravi Krishna's entry into films.[2]Education and early interests
Ravi Krishna completed his secondary education at a local school in Chennai. After finishing high school, he moved to London to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia. Upon returning to India, he obtained a diploma in Interactive Communication from Pentamedia in Chennai, along with training in non-linear film editing at Sam Media. He also completed a one-month acting course at the Film Institute of King’s College London before his film debut.[4][12][13] His early interests leaned toward creative fields like multimedia, reflecting a desire to explore interactive and visual communication before returning to India. Growing up in a family involved in film production subtly exposed him to the industry, fostering an eventual passion for acting despite initial reservations.[5][13]Career
Film debut and breakthrough (2004–2007)
Ravi Krishna made his acting debut in the 2004 bilingual romantic drama 7G Brundavan Colony (Telugu) / 7G Rainbow Colony (Tamil), directed by Selvaraghavan and produced by his father A. M. Ratnam, where he portrayed the lead role of a wayward young man named Kadhir who falls in love with a North Indian girl, Anitha, played by Sonia Agarwal.[5][14] The film, shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, depicted a realistic portrayal of unrequited love and personal growth, earning widespread critical acclaim for its raw storytelling and performances.[15] It achieved significant commercial success, particularly among Telugu audiences, running for over 100 days in several theaters and establishing Ravi Krishna as a promising newcomer in the industry.[15] The soundtrack, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, played a pivotal role in the film's popularity, with its youthful and emotional tracks resonating with young viewers and enhancing Ravi Krishna's image as a relatable youth icon.[16] For his debut performance, Ravi Krishna received the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South, recognizing his natural transition into acting under his father's guidance.[16] The project's success marked a key entry point for him into Telugu cinema, drawing initial fan appreciation for his authentic depiction of an everyday protagonist navigating love and frustration.[3] Following his debut, Ravi Krishna appeared in the 2005 Tamil action thriller Sukran, directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, where he played the lead role of Ravi Shankar, a college student entangled in a love story amid conflicts.[17] The film received mixed reviews and underperformed commercially, failing to replicate the momentum of his first project.[18] In 2006, he starred in the Telugu romantic crime thriller Kedi, directed by Jyothi Krishna, essaying the role of Raghu, a carefree student caught in a love triangle with characters played by Ileana D'Cruz and Tamannaah Bhatia.[19] Though Kedi garnered average box office returns and lukewarm critical response, it further solidified his presence in Telugu films during this formative phase, with fans noting his versatility in action-oriented roles.[19]Critical roles and expansion (2008–2012)
In 2008, Ravi Krishna starred in the bilingual film Netru Indru Naalai (Telugu: Ninna Nedu Repu), directed by Lakshmikant Chenna, where he portrayed Vetri, an unemployed youth contemplating suicide who assumes the identity of a deceased man after discovering his body on railway tracks.[20] The narrative explores themes of identity theft, personal redemption, and the struggles of jobless urban youth in Chennai, blending elements of thriller and romance.[21] Despite mixed reviews, with critics rating it 2/5 for its predictable plot, the film was noted for allowing Krishna to demonstrate versatility by moving beyond his romantic debut image from 7G Rainbow Colony, showcasing a more layered performance in a socially grounded role.[20] This project marked his expansion into bilingual productions, appealing to both Tamil and Telugu audiences while addressing real-world issues like unemployment. Krishna continued diversifying his portfolio with supporting roles in Brahmanandam Drama Company (2008, Telugu), a comedy, and Kadhalna Summa Illai (2009, Tamil), a drama, but his breakthrough came with the 2010 Tamil neo-noir gangster film Aaranya Kaandam (premiered in 2010 and released theatrically in 2011), directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja.[1] In it, he played Sappai, a small-time gangster and loyal assistant to a mob boss, navigating a chaotic day involving betrayal, violence, and moral ambiguity in a gritty urban underbelly.[22] The film's innovative screenplay, drawing from pulp fiction influences, earned widespread critical acclaim, including a 4.5/5 rating from The Times of India for its sharp writing, ensemble acting, and atmospheric tension, positioning it as a landmark in Tamil parallel cinema.[22] Aaranya Kaandam won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, along with awards for Best Editing and Best Debut Director, and screened at international festivals such as the South Asian International Film Festival (where it took the Grand Jury Prize), Toronto International Film Festival, and Rotterdam International Film Festival.[23] Critics praised Krishna's nuanced portrayal of Sappai's vulnerability and intensity, highlighting his ability to convey emotional depth in a non-commercial, character-driven narrative.[22] During this period, Krishna actively sought to avoid typecasting by transitioning from light-hearted romantic leads to more complex, intense characters, facing challenges in securing substantial roles amid industry preferences for commercial formulas.[20] His choices in films like Aaranya Kaandam garnered praise for adding acting depth, with reviewers noting how he infused authenticity into morally gray roles, earning him recognition for artistic growth and contributions to experimental Tamil cinema.[22] This phase solidified his reputation for versatility, though commercial success remained elusive, prompting a strategic shift toward quality over quantity.Hiatus, television, and recent work (2013–present)
Following the theatrical release of the critically acclaimed crime thriller Aaranya Kaandam in 2011, in which Ravi Krishna played the supporting role of Sappai, a small-time gangster, he entered a prolonged hiatus from acting that lasted over 13 years.[24] During this time, he largely withdrew from on-screen work, with no credited roles in films or television, and instead contributed behind the scenes to family productions under A. M. Rathnam's banner. The hiatus marked a significant slowdown in his career trajectory, as Ravi Krishna, once a promising lead in Tamil and Telugu cinema, chose to step back amid a shifting industry landscape that favored established stars.[25] This period allowed him to explore other interests, though he remained selective about potential returns to acting. In April 2023, Selvaraghavan announced Ravi Krishna's comeback with 7G Rainbow Colony 2, a sequel to his breakthrough 2004 debut film, where he reprises the introspective role of Karthik.[24] Directed by Selvaraghavan and produced by A. M. Rathnam and Sri Surya Movies, the project features new cast members including Anaswara Rajan as the female lead and commenced principal photography in August 2023.[25] The film was released on November 6, 2025, marking Ravi Krishna's return to the screen after more than a decade.[26]Filmography
Telugu films
Ravi Krishna's contributions to Telugu cinema are primarily through bilingual films and a few exclusive Telugu projects, where he often portrayed youthful and dynamic protagonists. His debut marked a significant breakthrough, establishing him as a promising talent in the industry during the mid-2000s. Over the years, his roles emphasized emotional depth and action elements, contributing to his popularity in Tollywood before he shifted focus to Tamil cinema. Although his total Telugu output is limited to around 5 films, these key entries highlight his versatility and commercial appeal. The following table summarizes his notable Telugu films chronologically, focusing on lead and supporting roles that drove his early career momentum:| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 7/G Brindhavan Colony | Ravi (lead) | Dubbed Telugu version of the Tamil romantic drama; co-starred Sonia Agarwal; directed by Selvaraghavan; commercial hit and cult classic, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South.[15] |
| 2005 | Muddula Koduku | Venu (lead) | Telugu remake of the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan; co-starred Gopika; directed by Radha Mohan; explored themes of inferiority complex and self-confidence.[27] |
| 2008 | Brahmanandam Drama Company | Srinu (lead) | Comedy lead showcasing timing with Brahmanandam; directed by R. Narayana Murthy; emphasized ensemble humor and family dynamics.[17] |
| 2008 | Ninna Nedu Repu | Vijay (lead) | Telugu version of the bilingual romantic action drama Netru Indru Naalai; co-starred Rekha Vedavyas; directed by Lakshmikanth Chenna.[28] |
| 2024 | The Birthday Boy | Bharath (ensemble) | Thriller role marking selective return; co-stars Sameer Malla; directed by Whisky; focuses on suspense and group dynamics.[29] |